The first European Parliament of Enterprises
- On: 14.10.2008
- In: European Parliament Chamber in Brussels
More than 750 European entrepreneurs will speak on subjects relating to European current affairs in the European Parliament in Brussels. The first European Parliament of Enterprises is organised by EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
Some 774 businesses of all sizes and from all sectors from 45 European countries are being offered the opportunity to recreate a real parliamentary session in the European Parliament Chamber to debate and vote on current business issues: the internal market and commerce, energy and the environment, employment and education.
The businesses are selected by the chambers of commerce on the principle of 'one MEP - one entrepreneur of the same nationality'. Non-EU member countries that belong to the EUROCHAMBRES network will be attending the sessions as observers.
The main aim of the event is to bring businesses closer to European decision-makers for a better mutual understanding. It is also an opportunity for the Chambers of Commerce to reaffirm their longstanding mission as a link between the business world and the institutions.
The opening session of the European Parliament of Enterprises will be led by Hans-Gert Pöttering, the President of the European Parliament, José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, Hervé Novelli, the French Minister of State for Business, Trades, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Tourism and Services and Pierre Simon, the President of EUROCHAMBRES. Three sessions of debates and votes will follow, each in the presence of an MEP and a European Commissioner.
Session 1: "Markets without Borders"
Arlene McCarthy, MEP & Chairwoman of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, and Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services
Session 2: "Tackling Energy and Environmental Challenges"
Guido Sacconi, MEP & Chairman of the Temporary Committee on Climate Change, and Andris Piebalgs, the European Commissioner for Energy
Session 3: "Creating an Entrepreneurial Europe"
Angelika Niebler, MEP & Chairwoman of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, and Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry
The event will conclude with a reception for all the participants and other important guests in the MEPs' restaurant in the European Parliament.
- Updated: 23.12.2008
